Priestly Ponderings…
Our Epistle readings these past few weeks have challenged us to live more fully into “The Way” – the Christian Life –that very much mirrors our baptismal covenant vows. Specifically, our readings from The Acts of the Apostles have laid out for us clear direction on how the Church is to prepare for on-going mission: a mission that at one time changed the world. It can transform our communities once more.
Acts 2:42 tells us that following the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, members of the early Church devoted themselves “to the Apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” And what happened? “Awe came upon everyone … all who believed were together and had all things in common … and day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:43-47). Clearly, committing ourselves to worshipping, learning and fellowshipping together builds our faith and increases our sense of community and purpose. So much so that, with this foundation laid, we are prepared to look beyond ourselves and venture into the mission that God desires for us in our communities. The Book of Acts teaches us that while we might intend to envision new mission and activities, we cannot do so without a solid foundation upon which to build: a foundation of who we are in Christ.
Building a foundation is what I like to think we have been doing here these past two years. From cleaning our facilities in order to create a more inviting and healthier appearance, to teaching the basics of our Christian faith and Anglican tradition to both adults and children alike, to seeking ways that inspire participation in our liturgies and deeper commitment to Christ, all of this has prepared us to move into a new phase of life together. It is an exciting time for us at Holy Cross as each month, new families join our gatherings and our people feel a more urgent “nudging” of the Holy Spirit to dream and envision ways to include the greater community around us.
We tend to think about ministry to those outside the parish walls as outreach, but I’d like to suggest another perspective. Holy Cross is located at the heart of the community of West Memphis. In many ways, this City is already a part of our community just as we are a part of the City’s community. So, perhaps seeking ways of outreach might better be described as a form of in-reach: a reaching inward to the community of which we are, or should be, a vital part. Perhaps we might see the citizens of West Memphis as members of Holy Cross – family members who just haven’t come home in a long time. As we gather each week for prayer, fellowship, teaching and communion, let us remember our neighbors and seek ways to invite them to return home to Holy Cross. The exit of the ASU-ABC program offers us a myriad of opportunities for increasing our vital presence in the life of this community. I invite your prayers of discernment as we seek the Holy Spirit’s direction on how we might reach into our community and help, as our mission statement so boldly proclaims “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP p 855).
Have blessed and safe summer season. If we do not forget our commitment to teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, we will, indeed, be amazed at all that God will do in our midst.
Yours in service to the Gospel,
Allan+
Our Epistle readings these past few weeks have challenged us to live more fully into “The Way” – the Christian Life –that very much mirrors our baptismal covenant vows. Specifically, our readings from The Acts of the Apostles have laid out for us clear direction on how the Church is to prepare for on-going mission: a mission that at one time changed the world. It can transform our communities once more.
Acts 2:42 tells us that following the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, members of the early Church devoted themselves “to the Apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” And what happened? “Awe came upon everyone … all who believed were together and had all things in common … and day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:43-47). Clearly, committing ourselves to worshipping, learning and fellowshipping together builds our faith and increases our sense of community and purpose. So much so that, with this foundation laid, we are prepared to look beyond ourselves and venture into the mission that God desires for us in our communities. The Book of Acts teaches us that while we might intend to envision new mission and activities, we cannot do so without a solid foundation upon which to build: a foundation of who we are in Christ.
Building a foundation is what I like to think we have been doing here these past two years. From cleaning our facilities in order to create a more inviting and healthier appearance, to teaching the basics of our Christian faith and Anglican tradition to both adults and children alike, to seeking ways that inspire participation in our liturgies and deeper commitment to Christ, all of this has prepared us to move into a new phase of life together. It is an exciting time for us at Holy Cross as each month, new families join our gatherings and our people feel a more urgent “nudging” of the Holy Spirit to dream and envision ways to include the greater community around us.
We tend to think about ministry to those outside the parish walls as outreach, but I’d like to suggest another perspective. Holy Cross is located at the heart of the community of West Memphis. In many ways, this City is already a part of our community just as we are a part of the City’s community. So, perhaps seeking ways of outreach might better be described as a form of in-reach: a reaching inward to the community of which we are, or should be, a vital part. Perhaps we might see the citizens of West Memphis as members of Holy Cross – family members who just haven’t come home in a long time. As we gather each week for prayer, fellowship, teaching and communion, let us remember our neighbors and seek ways to invite them to return home to Holy Cross. The exit of the ASU-ABC program offers us a myriad of opportunities for increasing our vital presence in the life of this community. I invite your prayers of discernment as we seek the Holy Spirit’s direction on how we might reach into our community and help, as our mission statement so boldly proclaims “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP p 855).
Have blessed and safe summer season. If we do not forget our commitment to teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, we will, indeed, be amazed at all that God will do in our midst.
Yours in service to the Gospel,
Allan+
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